Sunday, December 1, 2019, 2 PM – 4 PM @ 115 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA
Suggested readings: Capitalism, democracy, and the degrowth horizon by Leandro Vergara-Camus, The labor(s) of degrowth by Stefania Barca, and Beyond the limits of nature: a social-ecological view of growth and degrowth by Eleanor Finley
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These blog posts attempt to facilitate an emerging dialogue between degrowth and eco-socialism. Two critiques of degrowth from an ecosocialist perspective are as follows:
First, while capitalism is compelled to grow by its internal dynamics, there is no intrinsic ‘law’ that makes capitalism incompatible with a steady or declining economy. Second, and perhaps most significantly, overcoming capitalism is no guarantee that a more sustainable socio-ecological configuration will come about.
Nevertheless, degrowth is worth taking seriously, not only because the movement is fast expanding in academic as well as activist circles but also because the points raised are often valid and can stimulate important reflection, debate and convergence in the anti-capitalist left.
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Reading group texts do not necessarily represent Olympia Assembly, we read them for critical engagement and discussion.